Update: It has become clear to me that the Iskander is a modified SS-26 that should have a different SS-number. See the testimony of DIA Director Maples. Anya Loukianova, blogging at Total Wonkerr observes that the Georgian Interior Ministry claims Russia launched conventionally-armed SS-26 “Iskander” missiles into Georgia. She also posted a link to the …
India NSG Exemption in Danger?
by | 2008-08-16 | 51 Comments
Anonymous diplomats tell Reuter’s Boris Groendahl that they may delay India’s NSG exemption: But diplomats from several NSG member states said the draft fell behind earlier U.S. proposals, had unacceptable clauses and omissions, and went against existing U.S. laws on the deal. “I would be very surprised if that would happen,” said a diplomat, who …
W76 LEP Back on Track
by | 2008-08-15 | 5 Comments
The W76 Life Extension Program is back on track — although NNSA officials won’t confirm that they had trouble producing FOGBANK. Frank Munger reports from Y-12: Federal officials today confirmed that workers at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant had completed the first set of refurbished parts for the W76 warhead. The milestone is an indication …
Missile Defense Quid Pro Quo
by | 2008-08-15 | 7 Comments
Apparently, Poland gets a PAC-3 battery and US personnel as a tripwire, er defensive measure in exchange for hosting the European midcourse interceptor site: A senior Pentagon official described an unusual part of this quid pro quo: an American Patriot battery would be moved from Germany to Poland, where it would be operated by a …
